In this episode of the Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie break down their all-time favorite travel gear—just in time for Black Friday. After years of testing backpacks, carry-ons, tech essentials, and outfit must-haves on real trips, they’re sharing only the items they truly can’t travel without. No random Amazon finds here—these picks are battle-tested.

They also highlight some exclusive Black Friday discounts on top award travel tools, including Seats.aero, Roame, and CardPointers, with all the codes and links waiting in the show notes. From choosing the perfect backpack and staying organized with a dedicated travel wallet, to packing smarter with toiletry kits, versatile clothing, and go-to airport outfits, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use on your next trip. Whether you’re a carry-on-only traveler or gearing up for a long-haul flight, Chris and Katie share clever, experience-driven advice that makes traveling smoother, lighter, and a whole lot easier.

If you like saving money and traveling smarter, this episode is for you. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app, and send your questions to podcast@upgradedpoints.com

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 33

01:00 Black Friday Sales: Seats.aero, Roame, and CardPointers

02:15 Favorite Travel Gear

09:27 Carry-on Luggage Tips

13:32 Travel Wallets

17:10 Toiletry Bag

21:54 Travel Wardrobe

32:55 Packing Cubes

36:00 Travel Tech We Love

41:46 Black Friday Shopping Tips

44:43 Listener Q&A

Black Friday Deals (Good through December 1, 2025)

• Save 30% on Seats.aero with code Friday2530:  upgradedpoints.com/go/SeatsAero
• Save 40% on Roame with code UPGRADED40: upgradedpoints.com/go/Roame
• Save 50% on CardPointers:- upgradedpoints.com/go/CardPointers
  
  

Backpacks and Weekender Bags:

• The Everywhere Bag - Away: upgradedpoints.com/go/AwayEverywhere
• Tumi Voyageur Atlanta Backpack: upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTumiVoyageurAtlantaBackpack
• Lululemon City Essentials Duffle Bag 28L: upgradedpoints.com/go/lululemonCityEssentialsDuffleBag28L

Carry-On Luggage

• Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/TumiInternationalCarryOnMacys
• ROAM Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/RoamLuggageCarryOn
• Away Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/AwayCarryOnPocket
• Monos Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/MonosCarryOnPro

Travel Accessories:

• TUMI Alpha Electronic Cord Pouch: upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTUMICordPouch
• TUMI Small Madeline Cosmetic Case: upgradedpoints.com/go/TumiSmallMadelineCosmeticsCase
• Monos Compressible Packing Cubes: upgradedpoints.com/go/MonosCompressiblePackingCubes4Pack
• TUMI travel jewelry case: upgradedpoints.com/go/​​TumiJewelryCase
• TUMI electronic cord pouch at Saks: upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTUMICordPouch
• Credit card wallet: upgradedpoints.com/go/AmazonCreditCardWallet

Travel Wardrobe

• Lululemon Be Calm Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pants: upgradedpoints.com/go/LululemonBeCalmMidRisePant
• Lululemon Dance Studio Mid-Rise Pants: upgradedpoints.com/go/lululemonDanceStudioMidRisePant
• Lululemon Oversized Scuba Hoodie: upgradedpoints.com/go/lululemonScubaOversizedFullZipHoodie
• On Cloud 6 shoes: upgradedpoints.com/go/OnCloud6ShoesMens
• Insider T-shirts: https://insiderstore.com/

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.com

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